Location: Bentonville, Ark.

Contact: Fred Ley, Senior Vice President Corporate People Group

Mission: Wal-Mart is dedicated to the communities it serves, improving the standard of living for its customers by offering the everyday low price on the items people need. We also provide quality jobs with the opportunity for advancement.

Q: What types of jobs are available for retiring or former military officers at Wal-Mart?

People can become most anything at Wal-Mart. Of course, the jobs everyone knows about are at our Wal-Mart stores, supercenters, and Neighborhood Markets as well as our Sam's Clubs. Many military retirees like the flexibility in schedules and the ability to interact with the public in these types of roles. Of course good managers are always in demand too!

Our logistics division is world class, with our warehouses utilizing cutting edge technology and our fleet of truck drivers are among the safest, most professional drivers you will ever encounter.

The jobs you don't often see also offer exciting opportunities. Few people realize how many different careers are available. We need pilots and real estate professionals. We need buyers and marketers, architects, attorneys, and accountants. We have people who focus on energy, the environment, and even charitable giving.

Wal-Mart's growth has translated into career opportunities in the U.S. and all around the globe. Combine that with a deeply rooted philosophy that "our people make the difference," and there is no limit to what an individual can accomplish as a Wal-Mart associate.

Q: Why does Wal-Mart hire retired or former military officers?

Wal-Mart is always looking for good people who have a good work ethic. Experience, education, and strategic thinking are also important. Clearly, people who have had successful careers in the military are going to bring a knowledge base to the company, perhaps one that spans a number of the areas that are important to our business. Wal-Mart is a growing business. We'll open more than 300 stores this year. We have a tremendous need for natural leaders - especially those with the ability to mentor others - to continue to sustain our company's growth.

Q: What is the biggest mistake officers make when applying?

They underestimate the opportunities we offer, or worse, [don't] even apply because of a perception they may have about working for a retailer. Many assumptions people have about Wal-Mart are soon proven wrong as they come to understand who we are as a company.

Wal-Mart offers abundant career opportunities - from an hourly job in a store to executive positions in our Home Office or out in the field. Each come with an attractive benefit package that includes not only health and dental insurance, but also a profit sharing/401(k) plan, discounted stock purchase plan, eligibility for bonuses and discounts on merchandise. Because of the diversity of positions available, it is not uncommon for both husband and wife to work at Wal-Mart!